What is a Sip and See Party?

If you’ve just given birth (by the way!), or if you know someone who has, you’ve probably heard all about sipping and meeting parties. So, what is a Sip and See Party? Generally, these are fun, simple parties held by new parents to introduce their new baby to friends and family.

Sip and see parties are popular because they offer the perfect opportunity for everyone to meet the newborn baby at the same time, and for new parents to avoid the hassle of entertaining multiple guests separately from the whenever they come. After all, we all know how stressful that can be!

That’s why sip and see parties are so good. They make everything so simple; you can invite everyone at once, offer them refreshments while they catch up and get to know each other, hold the baby for a moment, then leave. This is the most casual, pressure-free gathering.

Why is there Sip and See?

Goodness knows how difficult the first few months after having a baby can be for new parents, especially mothers. After all, no one wants to go through the pressure of organizing some grand soiree with a baby juggling a boob. You will lose sleep all you want in life is to sleep through the night just once.

With a sip and see party, you’ll take the pressure of planning out of the equation, and you’ll also avoid all the people walking by all the time. Of course, that’s a win-win!

History of Sip and See

This concept has been around for quite some time now. It originated in the South, where new parents would literally invite their friends and family over sip tea, coffee, punch or any refreshment and Look the new baby.

It was such a great idea that it spread across the country over the years. Now it has become so popular that everyone is doing it.

Sip and See vs Baby Shower

So the main difference between a baby shower and a sip and see party is the fact that the former happens before the baby arrives while the latter happens after. Also, you can sip and check out all your kids, while some people frown on baby showers held for baby number 2 or 3 (often called Baby Sprinkles).

Another difference is that a sip and see is a more casual event compared to a baby shower. In fact, you can even hold it in an open house format (as many parents do!), so guests can come and go as they please. But it has to be within the designated visiting hours, of course. As long as you stop by, enjoy some refreshments, and cuddle the baby, it doesn’t matter what time you arrive or leave.

Additionally, parents can attend a sip and see the party with their children, unlike a baby shower where children are hardly invited. Baby showers are very formal, adults-only affairs while sipping and meeting are more relaxed.

However, it’s not uncommon for new parents to have a gift registry for a sip and see how it goes for a baby shower. This, of course, doesn’t mean you can’t have one. Some parents choose to sign up to gift registries while others give guests a chance to get them something they missed from their baby shower gift registry. As long as most guests don’t show up empty-handed, don’t expect everyone to bring something.

Who will be invited to a Sip and See?

One of the best parts about sipping and meeting is the fact that you can invite whoever you want, because there are no hard rules around it. This means friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, even that weird cousin you like but no one else. Everything is fair game.

Most people, however, only invite a small group of people, usually close friends and family. Why? Simple: smaller gatherings, less stress. At the end of the day, though, it’s your baby, so you can choose who can come and who can’t.

When will you have a Sip and See?

Sipping and looking is usually done in the first month or so after the baby is born. Most new Moms will want to wait a few weeks to allow themselves to have a new baby, so wait a while to sip and see. But there are no hard and fast rules, if you’re keen for an earlier Sip and See, then go for it!

How long is a Sip and See?

Sip and See usually only takes a few hours. This is usually not a long celebration, as the needs of the new baby and new Mom need to be considered. Often, a Sip and See party is held in the mid-afternoon to allow guests to quickly pop in and out, see the new baby and perhaps enjoy some light refreshments.

How to host a Sip and See

If you’re planning to host your own Sip and See, it’s a good idea to ask a close friend or family member for a little help with the planning. Remember, you will have your baby’s schedule to work with and so a little help goes a long way.

Sip and View Invitations and Guest Lists

Of course, the first thing you need to do is come up with a guest list and the invitation. Then you send out the invitations, which you can do via e-vite or mail, whichever works for you. Also, make sure there are refreshments! It doesn’t have to be complicated, just put out something people can eat. The good news is, no one really expects anything from a new parent. Everyone knows you’re dealing with a lot of diaper changes and sleepless nights, so take it easy.

Keep your Sip and See party short

Next, you need to clearly state when the party will start and when everyone is expected to leave. Even if it’s casual, you need to specify what time everyone leaves. There’s cleaning up and getting back into your routine, so let everyone leave early so you have plenty of time to do that.

Sip and Check Out the Decorations

Don’t go overboard with the decorations. Again, no one had much hope. The type of decorations you put up depends on your interest, how much time you have on your hands, and the resources you have. If you want something low-key, some baby pictures, balloons, and a pretty centerpiece will do. Another sweet idea is the baby’s name on a helium balloon.

Sip and View Sip Refreshments

Traditionally, people serve tea or coffee and soft drinks. But you can add wine, beer, champagne, punch, juice or mocktail. It is best to have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available because of children and other guests who do not drink alcohol. For food, skip an elaborate menu and go for simple snacks like finger sandwiches, cookies, chips and dips, macaroons, etc. However, if you are going big and want to organize something grand, you can serve a buffet meal. Again, this is a sip and check out party, so just do anything on your boat.

Sip and See the Entertainment

Your new baby is definitely the star of the show, so you don’t need any extra entertainment! You can choose to talk while people enjoy holding the baby. Or have some games for people to play. There’s a good chance, however, that most people will be more interested in holding the baby than playing, so if coming up with game ideas seems too stressful, don’t bother.

Ideas for a Sip and See

There are many ways to make your sip and party look beautiful and fun. Here are some ideas:

A sweet addition to our family. Your menu can have all the sweets you can think of. Serve cupcakes, milkshakes, cookies, cakes, puddings, ice cream, and other sweet treats. Also, have colorful decorations around the dining table.

Welcome to the world. Serve an international menu: English scones, Thai noodles, French croissants, Chinese dumplings, etc. In addition, you can deliver wine from different parts of the world.

A star is born. Serve star-shaped cookies and hang gold stars around the room.

Bee is cute. Have a bee theme and hang cute bee pictures, and have flowers in the room. You can also have cute cuddly stuffed bears around the room. For the menu, serve everything honey. These include honey scones, tea infused with honey, iced tea infused with honey, ice cream and honey, fruit dipped in honey, etc.

In the spotlight. Take pictures of each person holding the baby. Then you can make a memory book or a collage with pictures. Remember to email everyone the photos so they can remember that great day too.

Do you bring gifts to a Sip and See?

Most guests tend to bring a gift for the new baby at a Sip and See. Sometimes new parents have a baby registry where you can choose a gift. If not, then a small new baby gift is always welcome. Ideas include baby clothes, diapers, keepsakes, blankets and baby books.